The Yobe state government has imposed a 24 hour curfew in Damaturu, the state capital.

This followed the intense gun battle between the Joint task Force (JTF) and suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect which occurred on Monday around 5:30 pm, running through the night.

A statement signed by the special adviser to the governor on Media and Information, Abdullahi Bego, directed residents to remain in their homes as the JTF and other security agencies continue their efforts in restoring peace in the state.

According to the statement, 24 hour curfew is only for Damaturu metropolis, as restriction of movement for other parts of the state still remains 10PM to 6AM while restriction of movement in Potiskum remains 6PM to 6AM daily.

The statement called on members of the public to give maximum cooperation to the JTF and other security agencies in their efforts to ensure the safety of life and property.

It also called on the people not to relent in their prayers for the restoration of peace in the state and the nation in general.

Our correspondent in Damaturu, Jonathan Gopep reported that the gun battle between the JTF and the Gunmen lasted throughout the night.

Police search

The Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Mr. Patrick Eguniwe confirmed to Channels Television, that three police men and two soldiers were killed in the Monday’s gun battle with suspected members of Boko Haram.

In a telephone conversation with our Damaturu correspondent Jonathan Gopep, the Commissioner also added that four police men sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Damaturu specialists Hospital

He also disclosed that 32 people have so far been arrested in connection with the attack.

Mr Eguniwe also stated the situation is calm at the moment but securities are still studying the situation before the relaxation of the curfew.

Casualties on the side of the civilians according to him is yet to be ascertained as police officers are still working on the recovery of other dead bodies around the town.

The leader of the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state on the other hand is yet to say anything on the issue as they keep telling our correspondent that they are stil working to cope with the situation, promising to speak only after restoring normalcy in the State capital.